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Authorities have decided to eliminate aerial devices transporting contraband tobacco across the border, the country's leader announced.

The measure comes after foreign objects crossing the border forced Vilnius Airport to close on several occasions recently, affecting holiday travel, with the government also closing cross-border movement during each incident.

International border access continues restricted in response to the helium weather balloons.

Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene said, "authorities will not hesitate to employ the strictest possible measures against airspace violations."

Official Measures

Outlining the strategy to media, officials stated defense units were executing "all necessary measures" to shoot down balloons.

Regarding frontier restrictions, officials noted embassy personnel maintain access for cross-border diplomatic missions, while European Union nationals and Lithuanian residents retain entry rights, though all other travel remains prohibited.

"Through these actions, we communicate to Belarus stating that asymmetric operations face opposition here, and we will take all the strictest measures to prevent similar incidents," the Prime Minister emphasized.

Official communications saw no quick answer from the neighboring government.

International Consultation

Authorities will discuss with international allies over the threat posed from the balloons with possible discussions about implementing Nato's Article 4 - a request for consultation by a Nato member country on any issue of concern, specifically concerning defense matters - she added.

Travel Impacts

National air facilities experienced triple closures at the weekend due to weather balloons from Belarus, affecting 112 flights and more than 16,500 passengers, according to Baltic News Service.

During the current month, multiple aerial devices crossed into Lithuanian airspace, resulting in numerous canceled flights and passenger inconveniences, according to emergency management officials.

These incidents continue previous patterns: as of 6 October, 544 balloons were recorded entering Lithuania from Belarus this year, according to official statements, while 966 were recorded last year.

International Perspective

International air travel hubs - covering northern and central European sites - experienced similar aerial disruptions, involving unmanned aerial vehicles, during current period.